As winter hits the central and southern states, the spotted bass are hard to find and catch. Most anglers that appeal to their instinct to feed often come home empty. Like all bass, spotted bass head deep in winter months and are hard to spot with out a depth finder.
Spotted Bass can still be aggressive but as not as hungry as they are not very active. Your best approach during these months where the water temperature is below 50F (10C) degrees is to appeal to the bass’s instinct for survival and to protect its territory. Use spoons and blades that make noise and cause a distraction. Casting so that the lure comes close to them can cause them to strike out of anger and be more successful than appeal to their sense of hunger.
Crankbaits & Spinnerbaits
When fishing deep water, aim for some vegetation with a good spinner bait over the top of the grass. If the bass are not striking, try a crankbait over the top of the grass. Be sure to reel in the lure at a fast rate as this will get the bass’s attention.
Read more here: http://bassfishing-gurus.com/spotted-bass-winter.php